A four-month-old Icelandic colt with striking blue eyes and distinctive markings needs a name – and a Devon horse charity is asking the public for help. The Mare and Foal Sanctuary has launched a naming competition for the young foal, who arrived at the sanctuary following a significant multi-charity welfare collaboration that safeguarded 70 rare-breed Icelandic horses across several Devon sites.
Major Welfare Operation Saves 70 Icelandic Horses
The naming campaign follows a 15-month welfare operation revealed last week, which saw The Mare and Foal Sanctuary, World Horse Welfare, and the RSPCA work together to protect the rare-breed Icelandic horses and foals. The coordinated effort, prompted by public concerns, involved collaboration with the owner to achieve optimal welfare outcomes for all the equines involved.
The Mare and Foal Sanctuary has now provided lifelong sanctuary to 13 of the Icelandic horses and foals from the operation. The South West-based charity says it looks forward to sharing their stories in the coming months and hopes supporters will follow their progress as they receive the care and training needed for long, safe, and happy lives.
More information about the welfare operation can be found here: https://mareandfoal.org/inside-the-15-month-operation-saving-devons-horses/
Meet the Foal Who Needs a Name
The young colt at the centre of the naming competition arrived at the sanctuary a few weeks after his summer birth, accompanied by his dam Mavis and another Icelandic mare and colt foal. Completely unhandled upon arrival, the group was given plenty of space to explore and settle into their new environment.
Pippa Quelch, the Sanctuary’s PR and Campaigns Manager, says: ‘This beautiful colt is just four months old, and he is doing really well. He came to us a few weeks after his birth in the summer, with his dam Mavis and another Icelandic mare and colt foal. They were completely unhandled on arrival, and we gave them lots of space to explore and settle. The colts kept our team entertained, doing “zoomies” around the paddock and enthusiastically playing with all their new toys. Unfortunately, a giant teddy bear came off worse for the encounter!
‘This little foal was quite reserved around people at first, often sticking close to the other colt and hesitant to join in. But his Sanctuary Care team says he’s now relaxed and confident and loves to be groomed and scratched. They feel it’s been a privilege to spend his first few months watching him grow and blossom. They’ve fallen in love with his bright blue eyes and stunning markings – he’s a very handsome young colt. At first, his team tentatively nicknamed him “Winky” but we don’t think it quite suits him. We’d love to hear everyone’s suggestions so they can choose the perfect name. The lucky winner may even get the chance to come and meet him in person. As a charity, we’re dedicated to improving the lives of horses, foals and people, and protecting the environment to create a lasting legacy for generations to come. We simply can’t exist without public support, so we’re hoping people will join us on this young foal’s journey, learn more about these beautiful animals and help us to make a real difference.’
About Icelandic Horses
Icelandic horses are a unique breed known for their strength, agility, and thick coats, making them perfectly suited for cold climates. Hardy and versatile, the breed is often used for riding, driving, and working.
In the UK, Icelandic horses are quite rare, with approximately 1,000 registered individuals. Despite many standing under 14.2 hands – the height typically used to define ponies – there is no Icelandic word for ‘pony’, so Icelandic adults are always referred to as ‘horses’.
How to Enter the Naming Competition
The Mare and Foal Sanctuary welcomes as many name suggestions as people would like to submit using the entry form on its website: https://mareandfoal.org/name-our-icelandic-foal/
The winning name will be announced in two weeks on Thursday, 30th October 2025.
The charity credits its supporters, whose generosity in following, sharing, and donating makes rescue efforts like this possible. To find out more about the work of The Mare and Foal Sanctuary and keep updated on the latest news, activities, and appeals, visit: https://mareandfoal.org/join-our-mailing-list/
